Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)

The CQM NMR laboratory

The Nuclear Magnet Laboratory of the Centro de Química da Madeira (CQM, University of Madeira) is integrated in the national NMR network and its main objectives is to support research being performed in the centre. Other important duties include the training of researchers and students integrated on the Biochemistry (BSc and MSc) and Nanochemistry and Nanotechnology (MSc) degrees. Furthermore, the CQM NMR lab is open to external service (private or other public institutions) providing as well as to other members of the national network.

The rules of access and use of equipment, and the rights and obligations of users are regulated by a Model Management (PDF in Portuguese), agreed amongst all participants in the network, and by the regulation of the Unit operation (RFU). Please also check the general guidelines if you are interested in using this equipment.

Software

NMR workstation with TOPSPIN (upgraded in 2018 from version 2.1 to 3.5.7), ICON NMR, NMRSIM and NMR Guide software running on Windows 10.

The NMR Technique

The NMR technique is based on the behaviour of atomic nuclei under the influence of a magnetic field. It is commonly used in medicine (magnetic resonance imaging) as well as in chemistry, biochemistry and materials for the structural elucidation and/or quantification of chemical compounds.

Depending on the basic equipment set-up (including the probe head) and on the accessories, the NMR can be used for research and development, and also routinely for qualitative and quantitative analysis:

Applications

Identification of unknown compounds: formulation and quality control, certification of authenticity of products, characterization of the purity of a compound, forensic research in the field of fraud or crimes against public health.

Characterization of new compounds: research and development of new compounds for applications in areas ranging from medicine, environment, natural products to nanomaterials.

Some examples of technological routine applications

Food industry: identification and characterization of oils and fats;

Pharmaceutical industry: identification and structural characterization of new compounds and natural products for biomedical application;

Industry of paints and plastics: identification and characterization of structural polymers.

If you are not affiliated with CQM/UMa and would like to perform NMR characterization, please contact us (cqmnmr"at"gmail.com) and check the pricing.

General guidelines

These Guidelines are intended to be fair to everyone that uses the CQM NMR equipment and as such must be followed by all.

Users that repeatedly violate these guidelines will be banned from using the spectrometer.

Only authorized users will be granted access to the spectrometer. In order to be authorised to use the equipment EVERYONE must first receive training even if you are already familiar with the technique. This is to filter out users that might be afraid to say they can't use the equipment.

New users must register requesting, to the Unity Manager (GU/UM ), the user login/password and fill a proper New User registration Form (NUF). Be advised that your supervisor has to be informed of your NMR registration before hand. E-mail for queries: cqmnmr"at"gmail.com

Use what you know how to use! Curiosity is good, but not with a 278k € equipment. Be responsible !

Remember that your supervisor may have to pay for your user time. As such you have to PROPERLY register your experiment time on the CQM NMR Calendar (guide). If you fail to do so, you will be banned!

The final cost of each experiment takes into account the: maintenance costs, experiment type, total user time and user type (academic or industrial). For details about prices and charges applied, check our price table.

If there is a reservation made on the calendar YOU HAVE TO RESPECT IT, even if it is an emergency. Don't start an experiment unless there is enough time to finish it before the next person. In the same manner, DO NOT schedule an experiment just moments before you need, plan your time properly or wait for an opening. For more information on time reservation, please check the guide.

Use YOUR Deuterated solvents, YOUR NMR tubes and YOUR new Pasteur pipettes, unless otherwise agreed between researchers. This means that you have to bring them from your lab.

Do not mix Deuterated solvents in any condition whatsoever (e.g., for sample preparation, by using the same pipette in two different bottles).

NMR samples must be properly labelled, and should be removed from the NMR Lab after the experiment is finished. Unlabelled samples will be disposed.

Always register your work in the Logbook and on the CQM NMR Calendar. ALWAYS! Even if you are just checking the water in your solvent!

Report in the Logbook, any problem with the equipment or software and inform the technician as soon as possible (personally or by email).

Leave your metallic objects outside the room as well as magnetic cards and cell phones.

Between experiments or during long acquisitions, put the cover on the bore.